Grand High Theta
 

Starting the 101st thread! Hope everyone's having a good weekend so far...

I wanted to start some discussion on one of the legislation pieces for GA. There is a bill to create a second student GHZ member, GHTheta. There has been a bunch of controversy (Especially at the last GA) regarding this position. The current SAC members feel that we need to get some legislation passed to get a second student on the board.

The big hang up has been that some students want it to be an elected position, just as some feel SAC should be elected. The problem you run into with this is that every regional leadership conference could turn into one big campaigning ground. That will take away from the purpose of being together at those meetings.

I'm very interested to see what you guys feel about this. Thanks for the opinions...

Isnt campaiging and gathering votes for elections the american way? I think it would be good for chapters to communicate on a level locally more than they do- even if it was just to say- "vote for brother so and so"

Lenoxxx

I think the theta might not be the position that should be elected. That in my opinion should be SAC. There is no way that we could possibly know all the candiates for theta personally but we could meet all the SAC candidates from our region...in fact I'd prefer it that way...BTW where is Fla Southern at...Lakeland?...I've heard you have an awesome chapter from brothers as well as a Sigma Chi.

Yeah, FL Southern is in Lakeland. We've had a great chapter over the years. What Sig did you hear about us from? It's a small school and everyone knows everyone...

As far as the Theta is concerned:
I like the ideas of the election, but do you feel that one weekend is enough to know the candidates for the position? Don't you run a very big risk (like other political elections) of people telling you one thing and doing another? I guess the concern with the GHZ is that SAC would become a popularity contest and not necessarily who is best for the job. What do you think?

Welcome to America/Democracy


Lenoxxx

Is that really what you'd like to see our fraternity become? Or do you not think it would get that way...

Who decides what is best for the fraternity if not for elected officers- we trust our chapters to elect their own zeta members?

And if the people spoke and it was a bad choice- we deal with it.

Heck America dealt with a clown like Bill Clilnton for ten years, LCA can deal with letting it's own members elect officers or officials as far as Im concerned!

Lenoxxx

Oops- I mean 8 years!

Lenoxxx

The Sig was Matt Prior...went to church with him...I think having zeta members elect SAC might be an easy way to effectively do it but I agree there is no way a week is enough time to know who you want to be Theta.

So... is what you're suggesting:

Have the chapters nominate a person to run for SAC, then the Conclave would vote on who we have?

Much better than some other suggestions I've heard...

What do you think about a nominating-committee format similar to the GHZ's?

...Thank you for your input. It's been helpful...

I really don't know how the GHZ works...could you explain it to me? I know my chapter has only had negative conact with nationals in the last few years so we don't have many people who know much about how it works. That is one thing that I'd like to see change, a more positive relationship with IHQ, that and better ELCs...btw did your chapter have Joe Schnellenberger? If so what did you think of him?

Hey man,
I was actually in Impact 3 in Atlanta with someone from the UF chapter. I can't remember what his name was though, but I want to say he was your Alpha.

Don't get the GHZ and staff confused. The GHZ is a board of directors, much like any other company. They are brothers who are in other businesses and come together from all over the country to set the vision of the fraternity. The staff are the people we deal with in Indy on a daily basis. When you say you don't have good relations with IHQ, you are meaning staff, not GHZ... Hope that cleared a little up.

I know HQ is making a STRONG effort to make ELC's more "consultants" than the "big brother" they have been in the past. They're making changes to the program...

As far as the GHZ nomination process, it starts at GA. Chapters' delegates form "Nomination committees" to nominate candidates for GHZ. From there, the entire GA votes on those candidates for each GHZ position. This is the way I understand it to work. I could be wrong in some of the details though.

That was probably Chas Wheeler, he was our Phi. He's going to go thru Impact 4 at GA and be the first brother from our chapter to ever graduate it. He's a great brother even though we don't always see eye to eye. It's nice to know alittle more about nationals and to get to talk to a sac memeber since I can't go to nationals and had to miss regionals...next time though

We had Joe, and it was during our big party week. We put him up in a hotel, and he was really cool, of course we were his last visit ever, and he was pretty psyched to be done. I think he was a tough ELC to impress though, from how he described his visits, and the ratings he gave out, something like 3 excellents in 82 visits, or something along those lines. I think that's kind of good though, that way things don't get stagnant with a chapter that is deemed "excellent" in the past, or chapters that have been deemed poor in the past.

I hate to say it but some of the people I have had contact with give me the idea that they have a job and will do it when they get to it.

The few ELCs that I have met, I have been impressed with. But You may want to ask someone like LifeSaver!

We have been trying to get New Associate Pins for some time, I have been trying to change my e-m on Digital, get the Officership of the chapter, something in the C & C about Digital and OUR WEB SITE in for some time. Alas to no avail!:mad:

We were on double, triple secret probation for the longest because we had a lame duck ELCs and did not according to International get the paper work in! BS!

Well we pitched enuff of a bitch that they finally did!
But not getting Associate Pins out? That is bad!

They had us located in Penn. As Pittsburg St. U Ks and the Risk Management Insurance Rates were stupid!!! They were still overcharging us after many letters to the fact!

OKAY new guy you are an associate of LXA, but dont tell anyone! SAY WAT!

Are not the New Associate Pins free from International?

Many fo my guys from 25 years ago still hold a grudge for International for not backing a loan for 500.00 and I think My guys were stupid! But the times have changed. I try to tell them that but when you see things that are going on your still wonder.

We have the Best Magazine, Web Site and etc. when it works!!!!!

A little bit of a touchy subject, Tom?? :)

Tom, the AM pins are pretty much free. The cost is covered in the AM fee.

I've heard a lot of horror stories about Joe the ELC (I can't spell his last name, so I'm not even going to try). Most of the current SAC members have had him, and I hear I'm very lucky that I haven't.

--The brother from UF I was talking about was Chaz. He's a nice guy...

Of the 2 ELCs we had I'd say he was the worse one...by about 800 times...real $hit head in my chapters opinion...but hey they're like aholes...everyones gottem some of us just have to deal with them...

Rich, is it not true according to the Ped. that the ELC's are there to aid the Chapter, not brow beat them?

I drove for 2 hrs to meet with Rob Woods the ELC who was at the Chapter and met with him for 2 hrs and drove back to KC!

I had met the ELC befroe him and was a great Brother and Ryan Haney at last Regional in KC also a great Brother. Oh I am not slighting Rob Wood but they were both Lame Duck ELCs and was the last port of call so to speak. I dont know who dropped the ball but Finally we got things done after writing and contacting Hdq. We are in Kansas, Not Penn. Lower rates on Risk Management Ins. and getting Associate Pins has been a Chore!

I know th cost of running International is huge and have talked to Brother Helmbock breifly about the expenxe. We have the Finest Magazine and Web Site of all Greek Organizations as I have checked many of them, goth Fraternity and Soroity. We have the Best ELC ( In my day it was Trav Sec ) program of any!

Not sure what the touchy subject was that you are refering to tho? PM me if you wish!

If I had not been married Iwould have been a T S! Told George S that I would get a divorce if I could have the JOB!:)

Of course that was when George was Duke Flads right hand man!:D

Tom,
They're making a strong effort to change the ELC program away from the "policing" wrap it's gotten in the past. I've had good experiences with ELCs in my 3 years so far... we had Dan Daugherty twice though, so that's a good thing.

SO many brothers complain about how the ELCs come in to chapters to get them in trouble. Now, the focus is on having the ELC help chapters through their troubles and not writing them up.

Thanks for the insight on everything guys. I'm looking forward to GA. Are any of you going?

I've heard that Dan was a great ELC...I'm kinda upset that I can't be at GA but we have a good selection of brothers...Chaz, our Delta Jon Malenchuck, and an IRT member Brandon...not bad for a 40 man chapter but we could do better...I swear I'm going next time...

elc's
 

The "the arent going to be cops" mantra has been said as long as Ive been around- 1994

Some of the Elc's are actually great helpers, however, that type of job tends to attract bossy power tripping jerks from time to time. And yes even today this happens.

It seems about every third one we see falls into this category.

The last one at Phi Tau got very low marks from our undergrads and alumni for being a real "schween".

Now that isnt to say that some may have lended a helping hand from time to time.

Lenoxxx

Lenoxx,
I've definitely heard my share of horror stories about ELCs. I do agree, sometimes there are brothers out there that will let the power go to their head, like "Schneggie".

I was just talking about the things I've heard from Brother Helmbock in the meetings we've been in with him. They are making a strong effort to get rid of the "policing" ELCs and bring in guys who will really consult. Of course, a few will slip through the cracks every so often.

Thank goodness for that!:)

ELC's should be the ones who help the Zetas when they are in a troubled situation. Well that is unless they dont want it and are above everything else.

I wish so much that I cvould afford to go to GA, But if you are there, look up Matt Duggin ( Doogie ) our Delegate from LX Z.

I gave him a fill in on the Alfred U situation!

It seems though that Hdqs is real slow in getting things done at times! I have tried to change a few things on the Didi Site to up grade info such as e-m and Officers of the Zeta! Still have Officers listed from 3 years ago! Trying to get Assoc. Memebers Pins ? Finally after requesting many times I got a report that they werre finally coming. Yeah!

I am well aware of the situation International is in as having talked to Brother Helmbock in Oct. at Our Homecoming!

The cost of doing normal business is unbeleviable and with what we have, Much more than anyothers, I can see why!

It is a business, but the lag time is horendous in getting things done at times!:eek:

I and Lenoxx are the two most outspoken on here but I will tell you there is no one with more love for LXA than either one of us!:cool:

As far as The SAC, I do not know how that works, but the more Actives We have, I think the more imput there will be!

Democracy yes, but who decides who is to run?

The Zetas really dont and the International doesnt unless they get the information from the ELC's or nominated by a Zeta!

If a Democracy, then there should be several Actives who are nominated and voted on by the Members of the Zetas.

I am sure we all want qualified members on the Board! Si ?

We Elec our Zeta members with the understanding that they then make choices for us...that's why I think they should make the desdision...possibly just the alphas or thetas or whatever...but hey whatever helps the fraternity grow the most is what I'll be doing...BTW I've talked to our deligate about Alfred...I hope the best for you bros...
IN ZAX

The SAC is currently chosen by the GHA. Anyone who wants to run can, but all apps go to the GHA and he decides one SAC member per conclave.

In my experience, it is the outspoken ones that care the most, so I definitely believe you when you say that Tom. It is a testiment to our great fraternity to have SO many alums and actives who care so much. That is one of the biggest things I've noticed in my visits with the GHZ and at regionals. We have so many brothers who get what Lambda Chi is all about. By being on SAC, I have a much greater understanding too. We are the greatest fraternity in the world, without a doubt.

I just wish more undergrads got a chance to experience the "big picture" of Lambda Chi and not just at the chapter level...

Rich, it is so true about affording to go to the Regionals and the G A! Cost is a big thing!

I just found out this last weekend that My guys wanted to come to KC Regional a 2 hr. drive but were told that it was full! They were told they would go to Dallas! Dallas? Hell that is a long drive from SE Kansas!

Our regional will be in KC from now on for the time being.
What I question, we have it at the Airport Marriot! Hell that anit cheap!

Are there other places that the Regionals could be in not city, but hotels with meeting rooms that we could get breaks from?

Most of the Brothers are not of legal drinking age anyway and the time is pretty well tied up.

If I want a drink, I can go to the bar but at 4.50 for a Scotch and water, that is steep! Especially well schotch!!!!!!

I would rather take a good bottle and have in my room ( Single Malt of course ) and have a restive tody!

I would love to go to G A but I cannot afford $600.))

How many of our members can?

Let us not knock out the ones who want to go but cannot afford it!

I would rather have more Brothers there to experience the Regional or G A than someone who says gosh, I wish I could have gone! But I cannot afford it!

There are more members who work part time jobs so they can be members of LXA!

I was alwaysd taught, that LXA was not for the elete but for Brotherhood!

With out that, we do not have a Brotherhood!

I for one have met and talked with more Brothers from The G C Site than I have any other time. I get the feeling and Brotherhood from this site more so than of any other time.

To all of my Brothers especcially to Brother Acfeld in San Antonio who I am waiting to hear from as they are Flooding like all get out!

I'm of the opinion that Nationals could do something like this for brothers in a secure part of their site...but i'll be happy if i can just get onto digital once to find out what they have...I've been initiated since november but I've never even been able to get on it...oh well
I agree with the cost thing...I think they could set it up at a conference center and just let us chose from a few local hotels that suit our budgets. I'm sure I could survive staying somewhere other than the Marriot...
The one thing our chapter does to make it more affordable is that the chapter pays 1/3, and Housing corp pays 1/3. Brothers who go and get sponsered have to write a letter on why they want to go and then give a presentation when the get back about what they learned...

So far I've had the opportunity to go through 3 levels of Impact Leadership, and I am going to be going through Impact 4 in Denver. Since I've been luck to go to these conferences I've heard many frustrations that chapters have had with nationals and specifically ELC's.

I wanted to write in to say that my chapter has had really good luck so far with ELC's. I've been in the house for a year and a half (since second semester of my freshman year). My first semester we had Chad Tino and Stefan Schefietal. Stefan is awesome to work with, and is extremely good at pumping you up for rush. Next semester we had Matt Ibling. He was very cool about stuff, and understood very well how things really work in chapters. Most recently we had Joe Schneggenberger, and although I've heard some negative experiences with him, he helped us a ton. Our chapter has been dealing with some internal issues, and he helped us work through a lot of them, and I think has placed us on a very good footing to improve in the next year.

It's difficult for me to try and grasp every chapter situation, because each zeta is completely different, but we also share quite a lot. Over the last year and a half I think that Nationals is becomming much more user friendly, you just have to contact the right people, and sometimes be patient.

On a side-note, I know for a fact that any use of Digital Lambda Chi other than pulling information (for those of you lucky enough to have access) is not working. Nationals is in teh process of getting a new system online, but it's a very expensive endeavor.

I hope that some of this helps.

ZAX,
Jason

Hell yes it is expensive to do a web site! I was told that there was to be a new Web Master or compony or what ever!

The way to sign on is to register and use the code off of the C & C as entry and putting in a pass word! That code # is your number above your name on the C & C lable!

If that does not work, you can still get on International site and find who to contact to find out!

I check it daily why I dont know as no one gets on it!

We have a hell of a web site but it is not used to update info that International is lagging so far behind!

I have been trying to get the Officers Names change for 2 years DA!

We are on our 4 H Alpha since the last time! DAMN DAMN!:rolleyes: